Wednesday, August 29, 2001

When people find out that I am running for City Council, they ask me two questions: Are you crazy? and, Who are you running against?

After everything that has happened in recent months, why would I subject myself to the challenges, conflict, and criticism of local politics? Well, I do believe in that old saying, Whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger.

I know what I am facing and I know how difficult it can be. But, I know myself and what I am capable of handling. And, I also know the potential rewards for accomplishing good for our community.

Peachtree City has been my home for 29 years. I have spent the past 12 years, my entire adult life, working for the city. I want to preserve the quality of life that we have all come to appreciate and keep the momentum going in a positive direction.

The question I dislike the most is, Who are you running against? Our current method of electing members to City Council should be evaluated. We have an "at-large" district, yet we make our candidates choose a post. I feel that this system not only dilutes the vote in favor of the incumbent, but it also creates a negative atmosphere of running "against" someone instead of running "for" the seat.

Other cities have certainly found themselves in trouble with the U.S. Department of Justice because of the very way we handle our elections. Hopefully, Council will take a look at that section of our charter before its final adoption.

At any rate, you will see my name on the ballot this November, and if I must choose a post, it will be post 3, which is currently occupied by Steve Rapson.

Steve and I have worked together in the past and I consider him to be a friendly acquaintance. I'm not exactly "Rain Man" when it comes to number crunching, but I offer much of the same qualities and experiences as Steve does. I know Peachtree City, the internal processes, the senior management, the financial structure and day-to-day operations.

I'm not running for office to run against him. I am running for office because I want to serve my community in a capacity that will give me the opportunity to really make a difference in our daily lives.

Although I have a tremendous knowledge base of our city's history and its internal operations, I do not believe Council should get involved with the day-to-day operations of our government. I believe Council should lead with integrity, chart our course with clear direction, and continue to keep an eye on the horizon to ensure we stay on course. I also believe that Council should ensure an open government and provide an equal forum for all citizens.

I can't promise that you will be happy with every vote I will cast. Sometimes, the right choice isn't necessarily the most popular choice. But, I can assure you that I will make informed decisions. I won't take things at face value. I will research both sides to an issue and listen carefully before casting my vote. And, I will follow through and ensure that City Council's directions are carried out with integrity and efficiency.

I realize that one member of City Council is powerless to provide direction or initiate action without the majority of Council supporting him. It is going to take teamwork with open and honest communication to effectively accomplish our goals and objectives.

I welcome all of your questions and concerns. Feel free to call me at 678-364-8371 or send an e-mail to nfau@bellsouth.net.

Nancy Faulkner

Peachtree City

[Faulkner is an announced candidate for Peachtree City Council. The Citizen welcomes letters from candidates for all local offices and from citizens commenting on the candidates and issues raised. We will print the letters from candidates and a representative sampling of others subject to standard editing practices for length and conformity to libel laws, until the week before the election.]

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